Prisme Optical Group has announced the appointment of Guillaume Pottecher as the new United States, National Sales Manager. He will report to Carole Menard, Vice President of Sales.

Guillaume brings 15 years of industry knowledge and established relationships and extensive experience in the high end segment of the optical industry. Guillaume introduced the brand Tag Heuer to the US market and has worked with De Rigo. Guillaume will be responsible for: sales, networking, territory development and training, recruiting qualified representatives, business relations for groups and important key accounts in the US.

Prisme Optical Group is a North American leader in the distribution of high end frames including brands, such as Beausoleil, Oliver Goldsmith Spectacle, Xavier Garcia Barcelona and Tartine & Chocolat.

www.prismeoptical.com

With revenue up 12% and operations up 15.4%, Essilor maintained its growth in 2014.

Forty-five percent of the French giant’s revenue came from North America. Growth in Canada was supported by Varilux, Crizal, Transitions and Xperio, the impact of the “perfect pair” offer and the company’s widening presence in the mass retailing channel. The introduction of Kodak lenses and the partnership with Riverside Optical labs contributed to expansion in the mid-tier.

Looking beyond the figures, 2014 marked a strategic shift at Essilor.  CEO Hubert Sagnières calls the group’s desire to expand its playing field, namely in photochromics, sunwear and online business, a true “cultural revolution.” This strategy was embodied in the acquisitions of Transitions Optical, Coastal.com and Costa, as well as in its collaborative effort with FGX International in a sunglass offering.